The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) 2026 will continue to use the 9 point grading system approved by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Under this system, Grade 1 is the highest grade a candidate can obtain, while Grade 9 is the lowest. A lower aggregate score indicates better academic performance and increases a candidate’s chances of gaining admission into highly competitive Senior High Schools.
Important things 2026 BECE candidates should know
Here are three important things every BECE 2026 candidate and parent should understand before the examination:
1. Pass Mark for BECE 2026
To be considered as having passed the BECE, a candidate must obtain an aggregate score of 36 or better based on their six best subjects.
Candidates with lower aggregate scores have a better chance of securing placement into their preferred Senior High Schools through the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
2. How BECE Aggregate Is Calculated
The aggregate score is calculated using six subjects.
These include the four core subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Social Studies
The grades obtained in these four core subjects are added to the grades from the candidate’s two best performing elective subjects.
The total of these six grades becomes the candidate’s final aggregate score.
For example, if a student scores Grade 2 in English, Grade 3 in Mathematics, Grade 2 in Science, Grade 1 in Social Studies, and Grade 2 and Grade 3 in two elective subjects, the aggregate would be:
2 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 13 Aggregate
An aggregate of 13 is considered a very strong performance.
3. Final Score Breakdown
A candidate’s final BECE result is based on two components:
- Continuous Assessment (School Based Assessment) – 30%
- BECE Examination Score – 70%
This means classroom performance throughout Junior High School contributes to the final result, while the BECE examination itself carries the larger percentage.
Students are therefore encouraged to take both their school assessments and final examinations seriously.
Below is the WAEC BECE Grading System for 2026
